AFP seeks more details from Imee Marcos on claim of 'hypersonic missile' threat

MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines said it is "ready to coordinate" with Sen. Imee Marcos after her recent claim that China plans to send "hypersonic missiles" to select areas in the Philippines — an allegation that comes as Beijing and Manila have agreed to ease tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

The AFP told reporters on Wednesday that it will seek more details from Marcos "to take appropriate actions to ensure our nation's security." 

On July 1, Marcos posted a video on her Facebook page where she alleged, without citing her source, that the Chinese government is targeting to send hypersonic missiles to 25 areas in the Philippines.

The senator identified Batanes, Subic and Ilocos as the initial targets.

Marcos, who claims to have seen the  details of the "plan" by China, said the move is in response to the increase in Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement sites in the country, which allows the United States access to Philippine military bases. 

The senator added that the United States has said that it cannot counter the hypersonic missiles, which she said "makes me even more nervous."

The Philippines and China agreed to deescalate tensions in the West Philippine Sea during a meeting between both countries' foreign affairs representatives on Tuesday. 

Both countries agreed that continued dialogue on the basis of mutual respect was necessary to maintain peace and stability at sea, the Department of Foreign Affairs said.

Chinese vessels have also noticeably pulled back from the West Philippine Sea, according to the Philippine Navy.

Hypersonic missiles are projectiles that can move at a speed of at least Mach 5 or higher, or five times the speed of sound.